Common Questions

I have a question for the Board staff, but how do I know who to ask for when I call the Board office?

You can find a listing of departments and each individual’s responsibilities on FBPE’s website on the Contact page of this website. Most of the primary responsibilities are listed under the staff person’s name, along with their extension number and e-mail address. If you have a question that is not covered under one of those categories, call FBPE’s main office phone number at (850) 521-0500 and relay your question to the receptionist, who will connect you to the appropriate person.

What information do I use to login to my license account?

Go to myfloridalicense.com. You will be redirected to the online services menu, where you can can enter your email address or User ID and password to access your record. Unless you have changed your password, your activation code should be the last four digits of your Social Security number. For those with a Certificate of Authorization, the activation code should be the last four digits of your Federal Employer Identification Number. If you cannot access your account by using this information, contact the Board office at (850) 521-0500 and select “Licensure” for assistance.

When I search for the licensure status of a professional engineer or engineering firm and I don't find any information, does that mean they are not licensed?

If you search myfloridalicense.com and are unable to find licensure information on an engineer who you think is licensed, call the Board office at (850) 521-0500. We can check the computer database for alternative spellings of the name and confirm licensure for you. If you are trying to confirm that an engineering firm has a Certificate of Authorization, call the Board office and ask for CA desk. The analyst will verify the firm’s licensure status.

I passed the examination several years ago and never received my wall certificate. How can I obtain another certificate?

Contact our office at (850) 521-0500 to request a review of your records. You will be advised if there is any additional documentation to submit (i.e. a final transcript) or to verify the address on record. We will assist you in correcting and updating your information so that a certificate can be issued.

What are the qualifications to sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering examination to attain certification as an Engineer Intern?

You must have a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from a program that is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of the American Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET) to meet the requirements of Rule 61G15-20.007, Florida Administrative Code. Go to the Application Process page in the Licensure section of this website for detailed information about the qualification and application process.

What if my degree is from a foreign university and is not accredited by EAC/ABET?

If you have a foreign degree that is not from an EAC/ABET accredited engineering university, you will be required to submit, as part of your application, an evaluation by one of the Board-approved educational evaluators, Josef Silny and Associates or NCEES Credentials Evaluation Services. The evaluation and any other advanced degrees will be reviewed to determine if you satisfy the criteria of Rule 61G15-20.007, F.A.C.

I am applying to sit for the FE exam while I am still in school; do I have to send my transcripts to you?

If you are attending school, please fill out the Letter of Good Standing in the FE application and have the school send it to us. It must show your classification as a senior and your anticipated graduation date for a Bachelor of Science degree in the discipline of your major.

When do I need to send my transcripts?

If you have graduated with your Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, please have the school send your final transcripts to the address on the Verification of Education Release form. The transcripts must show your graduation date and your discipline.

I have a transcript; can I send it in?

No, it must come from the school you attended. Transcripts that we receive that are stamped “Issued to Student” or “Student Pickup” will be considered invalid.

When must all the material for my application be in the Board office in order for me to sit for the Fundamentals or Principles & Practice exams?

Please go to the NCEES Exam Informationpage in the Licensure section to view the deadlines for submitting applications and supporting documentation for your exam application, along with exam dates.

I have a master's and/or Ph.D. from the United States, do I still need to have my non-ABET bachelor’s degree evaluated?

If your bachelor’s degree is from a non-ABET educational institution, you must have it evaluated, regardless of whether or not you possess upper level degrees. If this is the case then it will be necessary for you to contract with one of the two credential evaluation companies approved by the FBPE. This service reviews your education to see if it meets the requirements of Rule 61G15-20.006, Florida Administrative Code. If the evaluation determines that you are lacking course work, you will have to fulfill these requirements to be allowed to take the FE exam.

I am from Canada and my bachelor’s degree is ABET-accredited. Why must I have a credentials evaluation before I can sit for the FE exam?

The FBPE does not recognize the Washington Accord. You are required to submit, as part of your application, an evaluation by one of the Board-approved educational evaluators. The evaluation and other application material will be reviewed to determine if you satisfy the criteria of Rule 61G15-20.007, F.A.C.

I am lacking six semester credit hours in mathematics and basic sciences, and 16 semester credit hours in humanities and social sciences. Can you tell me what classes to take?

We cannot advise you as to what classes to take. Please take your evaluation to the school you plan to attend and meet with the school’s academic advisers. The Education Committee of the Board is familiar with the coursework required for EAC/ABET-accredited degrees. If, for some reason, you need one of the Education Committee members to review your education concerns, you may contact the Licensure Analyst assigned to your file for assistance. You may be asked to provide the class syllabus and/or the course description. During the bi-monthly Board meeting, the Education Committee can address your concerns about what coursework to take. However, your school advisers should be consulted initially as they are familiar with coursework you have previously taken. Do not duplicate any coursework that is on your evaluation.

My evaluation says that I am lacking chemistry. I took this class in high school. Why do I have to re-take this class?

Any discrepancies you may have with the evaluation need to be settled by you and the evaluation company. If the evaluation indicates that you need this coursework, it is following the requirements established by the laws and rules of the State of Florida.

I am lacking 16 semester credit hours in humanities and social sciences. What happens now?

If the Board determines that your only education deficiency is in humanities and social sciences, you will be granted conditional approval to take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam. You may then register for and take the FE exam. You must submit transcripts for the lacking humanities and social science hours in order for the Board to remove of the conditions and for you to receive your Engineer Intern certificate.

If I didn't show for the exam or didn't register with NCEES to take the examination, does that count as a failure?

No, if you do not show up, it is not counted as a failure. You have to attend and fail the examination in order for it to constitute a failed attempt

I never received my Board approval email to register with NCEES. I would like you to switch that application to the next examination. Do I need to pay another fee?

Yes, the $30 fee is for processing the application. Once we process the application, those fees were used. Please go to the Fundamentals Examination page under the Licensure section and download the Re-Examination Application and reapply. PLEASE NOTE: You should always check your junk mail and add fbpe.org to your safe senders list to ensure you receive Board communications.

There are no testing sites. How do I get the one I want?

Please contact NCEES upon registration as to what site you prefer. They are the testing vendor and will provide you with information concerning the testing procedure, the initial registration process, and administering the examination. Their website is NCEES.org.

I received an application denial letter. What is the next step?

The Education Committee of the Board reviewed your application and education, and determined you are lacking coursework. FBPE sent you a denial letter explaining what was lacking. You need to return the Election of Rights to the FBPE within 21 days of receipt. You have three options:

Option to Supplement:

With this selection you have 90 days to submit additional information, documents, and/or transcripts.

Option for an Informal Hearing:

By choosing this selection, you disagree with the findings of the Education Board. You may also send additional information, education transcripts, syllabi, or written documents to aid in removal of the denial. You are not required to attend the Board meeting. The Board will review your file to determine if the additional information will correct the deficiencies.

Option for a Formal Hearing:

With this option, an applicant disputes material findings of the Board decision and will present their case at a hearing before the

I have not received my Board approval email. What do I do?

First, make sure that your email address has not changed. If it has, immediately email Board@fbpe.org with the correct information. If you have not received your Board approval email within six weeks before the scheduled examination, please call the FBPE at (850) 521-0500. There might be an issue or deficiency that needs correcting.

I have failed the Fundamentals examination three times. What do I do?

You need to complete an additional 12 semester credit hours of college level courses in your area of deficiency or take an exam review course. For applicants to take Part I of the engineer examination, such additional courses shall be undergraduate college courses in higher mathematics, basic sciences or engineering as described in Rule 61G15-20.007(2)(a), (b), and (d), F.A.C. Once you have completed these courses, you need to send in Initial Examination application, the $30 processing fee, and have the school send the transcripts showing your grades. Your file will be presented to the Education Committee for review. If approved, you may register for the exam with NCEES. You will then have three more examination attempts. If you are not approved to re-take the exam, you will receive a letter of denial with an explanation.

How do I get my Engineer Intern certificate and number?

Once you have passed the FE exam, you must submit an Endorsement application (if you did not apply to FBPE before taking the exam) and have your school provide your final transcripts showing your degree and the date it was awarded. You will not get an EI certificate or number until both your application and your transcripts have been received. Please have transcripts sent to FBPE, 2639 N Monroe St., Suite B-112, Tallahassee, FL 32303. It can take up to 10 weeks to receive your certificate after receipt of transcripts. If you need to show proof of accomplishment and certificate number, please go to myfloridalicense.com and download the information there for your employer.

I passed the examination several years ago and never received my wall certificate. How can I obtain another certificate?

You should contact our office to request a review of your records. You will be advised if there is any additional documentation to submit (i.e. a final transcript) or to verify the address on record. We will assist you in correcting and updating your information so that a certificate can be issued.

When must all the material/documentation for my application be in the Board office in order for me to sit for the fundamentals or principles and practice examinations?

Go to the Licensure section and select the NCEES Exam Information page. You can find the deadlines for submitting applications and supporting documentation on that page, along with the exam dates.

If I failed to show for the exam or register with NCEES to take the examination, does that count as a failure?

No, if you do not show up, it is not counted as a failure. You have to attend and fail the examination in order for it to constitute a failed attempt

I passed the examination several years ago and never received my wall certificate. How can I obtain another certificate?

You should contact our office to request a review of your records. You will be advised if there is any additional documentation to submit (i.e. a final transcript) or to verify the address on record. We will assist you in correcting and updating your information so that a certificate can be issued.

What is the fee for a Certificate of Authorization?

The fee to apply for a Certificate of Authorization in Florida is $230.

I registered with the Florida Division of Corporations (SunBiz). Does my company need to anything with the Board of Engineers to provide engineering services in Florida?

Yes. For a company to offer engineering services in Florida, it must obtain a Certificate of Authorization from the Florida Board of Professional Engineers. Refer to Section 471.023, F.S., regarding the requirements for organizations, corporations, partnerships, etc., to offer engineering services.

Do I have to renew my Certificate of Authorization?

Yes. All Certificates of Authorization must be renewed every two years.

Does filing an annual report with the Florida Division of Corporations (SunBiz) renew my license?

No. You must renew your Certificate of Authorization every two years by paying the renewal fee.

The licensed Professional Engineer for our company is not an officer or director. What can we do?

The Engineer of Record must be listed with the Florida Secretary of State as an officer or director of the company, ORa corporate resolution must signed by an officer listed on SunBiz that includes the following language:

BE IT RESOLVED, that (insert PE name), Registration No. (Insert PE license #), is hereby designated as manager/managing member and is therefore authorized to bind the corporation in all of its activities which fall within the practice of engineering in Florida as that term is defined in Stat. 471.023 and Rule 61G15-18.011

How do I change the Principal Officer (Qualifier) that is associated with my company?

You need to submit an updated Certificate of Authorization Application for a Principal Officer (Qualifier) change. The form is located on the Certificate of Authorization page in the Licensure section of this website.

How do I change my company name?

You need to submit an updated Certificate of Authorization Application for a company name change. The form is located on the Certificate of Authorization page in the Licensure section of this website.

Does my company have to be located in Florida to get a Certificate of Authorization?

No, your company does not need to be physically located in Florida. But your company does need to be registered with the Florida Secretary of State, which will require the company to have a Registered Agent located in Florida.

If my company has multiple offices in different locations, does each branch need its own Certificate of Authorization?

No, one Certificate of Authorization covers your company regardless of how many branch offices there are.

How long does it take to receive licensure in Florida by endorsement?

Applications submitted without NCEES records and meeting all the qualifications of Florida’s education, exam, and experience requirements take approximately six to eight weeks to finalize after all documentation has been submitted.

Applications submitted with NCEES records and meeting all of Florida’s education, exam, and experience requirements generally take 30 days or four weeks to process.

If I take the Principles & Practice exam early in another state, will I be able to get licensed by endorsement in Florida?

I have a foreign degree that was accepted in another state to quality for licensure through the Washington Accord agreement. Does Florida recognize the Washington Accord agreement to qualify for licensure, or do I need an education evaluation?

Florida does not recognize any of the education agreements, such as the Washington Accord, for individuals applying for licensure through examination or endorsement. Interested applicants must have an education evaluation completed by one of the two Florida Board approved education evaluators. Currently the FBPE accepts evaluations from Josef Silny & Associates and NCEES Credentials.

If I failed the PE exam three times or more but passed on the final attempt and obtained licensure in another state, am I required to complete a "review course" to qualify for licensure by endorsement in Florida?

No, not when applying for licensure by endorsement. The rules are different for endorsement applicants than for those applying for licensure by examination.

If I failed the PE exam three times or more and have not passed, do I need to complete a "review course" to qualify for the exam in Florida?

My Special Inspector certification has expired. How do I reinstate my license?

When the Special Inspector program transferred to the Florida Board of Professional Engineers, a list of active Special Inspectors was entered into our database. Engineers whose certification was due to expire in 2000 were granted an extension by the Board so that renewals could be coordinated with the renewal of your Professional Engineer license. If your certification expired prior to 2000, there is no means of simply reinstating your certification. The Board requires that you reapply. When reapplying, you must complete the entire application. Once an application is deemed complete, it will be presented to our Application Committee for review. If your application is approved, your certification will be issued with the previous number. If your application is denied, you will be advised of your right to appeal under Chapter 120, Florida Statutes.

If I am a CE Provider how do I add new courses?

If you need to add courses to your listing, please email Nancy Wilkins at cedesk@fbpe.org, and include your provider name and license number; the name of the course; and the PDH value of the course. You will then receive a number for that course.

Are there separate applications for providing the Laws and Rules and the Ethics courses?

Do CE providers have to report on the reporting system?

Providers are not required to report CE credits to FBPE. Rule 61G15-22.008, Record Keeping, F.A.C., requires Professional Engineer licensees to maintain sufficient records demonstrating completion of qualifying professional development hours for at least two licensure cycles, or four years. CE providers must provide completion certificates to course participants/licensees who are subject to an audit after renewal.

How long is a CE provider required to hold onto a participant’s records?

As a provider, you should be aware that you are obligated to provide certificates of completion to all course attendees and you are also required to maintain accurate records for four years. Failure to comply with this rule may result in a loss of your provider license and the ability to provide Continuing Education courses to Florida engineers.

How often am I required to renew my provider license, and can I renew my license online?

You are required to renew your provider license every two years. This can be done online using the renewal system at myfloridalicense.com. You will need to create an account, if you have not created one already. You will need your license number and activation code (the last four digits of your FEIN) to access your account.

How much is the fee for renewal of my CE provider license?

The renewal fee for Continuing Education providers is $250.

Can I fax or email my CE certificates to the Board?

No. You are no longer required to report Continuing Education to the Board. Pursuant to Rule 61G15-22.006, Demonstrating Compliance, F.A.C., the licensee is responsible for retaining receipts, certificates, or other documentation as may be necessary to evidence completion of Continuing Education in the event you are subject to a random audit. You must retain these records for four years from the date of completion of the Continuing Education activity.

I am a licensed Professional Engineer in Florida and several other states. Can I use CE credit obtained for my other licenses towards the requirement for my Florida license? If so, how do I document proof of completion of the Continuing Education?

With the exception of the one hour Florida Laws & Rules requirement, you may apply Continuing Education credit earned for another state’s engineering license to your 18 hours, assuming it meets the criteria set forth in 471.017, F.S., Renewal of License, and Rule 61G15-22.001, F.A.C., Continuing Education Requirements. In addition, pursuant to Rule 61G15-22.011, F.A.C., only Board-approved providers may offer Continuing Education courses and credit.

A list of Board-approved CE providers and courses can be found on myfloridalicense.com. If you are unsure if a provider or course is approved or acceptable, call the Board office at (850) 521-0500, and ask to speak to a representative in the Continuing Education department.

Refer to Rule 61G15-22.003, F.A.C., Demonstrating Compliance, which provides that all licensees are responsible for maintaining the appropriate documentation necessary to evidence completion of CE each biennium.

I notice the Board's rule permits electronic signing and sealing of plans. Can I use a CAD generated seal or rubber stamp?

Engineers now have the option of using any seal capable of leaving a permanent ink representation or other form of opaque and permanent impression on hard copy documents. This means CAD generated seals are permitted for use on hard copy documents. The electronic signing and sealing method described in the Board’s rules refers to a secure method of submitting plans to those equipped to accept them in this format.

How long am I required to retain sign and sealed engineering documents?

“At least one copy of all documents displaying the licensee’s signature, seal, which is legible to the reader, date and all related calculations shall be retained by the licensee or the licensee’s employer for a minimum of three years from the date the documents were sealed. These documents shall be maintained in hardcopy or electronic format.”

How do I file a complaint?

If you would like to file a complaint involving either licensed or unlicensed activity, please download a copy of the Uniform Complaint Form, which can be found on the Complaints page in the Legal section of this website. If you want to talk to someone about a potential violation, please call the Board office at (850) 521-0500, and ask to speak with an Investigator.

Once you file a complaint, it will be analyzed to determine if what has been alleged is against the law. If your complaint is not a violation of law, you will receive a letter indicating the file is being closed. If it is determined that the allegation you have made, if true, would constitute a violation of the engineering laws or rules, you will be notified that an investigation will take place. Following the investigation, the case will go to FBPE’s Probable Cause Panel, which is similar to a grand jury, and it will determine if the case should be recommended to the full Board for discipline. The Board then serves as jury in the case and decides guilt or innocence, as well as the level of discipline if the accused is found guilty.

Will the accused know who filed the complaint against them?

Yes. The subject of the complaint has the right to have a copy of the initial complaint documents.

If a complaint is filed against my engineering license, am I allowed to review/have access to the results of the investigation?

“The complaint and all information obtained pursuant to the investigation by the department are confidential and exempt from s. 119.07(1) until 10 days after probable cause has been found to exist by the probable cause panel or by the department, or until the regulated professional or subject of the investigation waives his or her privilege of confidentiality, whichever occurs first. However, this exemption does not apply to actions against unlicensed persons pursuant to s. 455.228 or the applicable practice act. Upon completion of the investigation and pursuant to a written request by the subject, the department shall provide the subject an opportunity to inspect the investigative file or, at the subject’s expense, forward to the subject a copy of the investigative file. The subject may file a written response to the information contained in the investigative file. Such response must be filed within 20 days, unless an extension of time has been granted by the department. This subsection does not prohibit the department from providing such information to any law enforcement agency or to any other regulatory agency.”

In my practice as a Professional Engineer, I have been asked by governmental entities to provide building inspection services. Do I need to be registered as a building official to provide these services?

In 1998, the legislature adopted H4439 that contained a provision making it clear that PEs can provide building inspection services without being licensed by the Board of Building Code Administrators; however, when providing those services, the engineer is subject to the disciplinary guidelines under the Building Code Administrators Act. Complaints, inspections, and discipline that arise out of a PE’s performance of building inspections shall be handled by FBPE.

When taking over an engineering job from another engineer, do I need to redraw all the plans?

Not necessarily. However, Rule 61G15-27.001, F.A.C., makes it clear that a successor engineer seeking to reuse already sealed documents must be able to document that the successor engineer has, in fact, recreated all the work done by the original engineer. In other words, all site visits, research, and the like must be documented and producible upon demand. In addition, the successor engineer must remove the old title block and use the successor engineer’s own title block and, of course, accept all professional and legal responsibility for the documents.

I am a graduate of an ABET-accredited university with a bachelor's in civil engineering, took the Principles & Practice exam in civil engineering, and have been practicing as a Professional Engineer for a number of years. Can I sign and seal electrical and/or mechanical plan sheets on the convenience store we are working on?

Maybe… Maybe not. Rule 61G15-19.001, F.A.C., sets forth the grounds for discipline and plainly states that performing an engineering assignment when not qualified by training or experience in the practice area involved is misconduct in the practice of engineering. That determination as to being “qualified” is made by the Professional Engineer, but you should be aware that negligence is defined as the failure to have due regard for acceptable engineering principles and that you can only sign and seal documents that conform to acceptable engineering safeguards for life, property, and welfare of the public. In addition, incompetence is defined as the inability of the Professional Engineer to perform duties normally expected of a Professional Engineer.

Occasionally I have been asked by a contractor or other professional to sign and seal plans they did. I understand I can only sign and seal plans over which I have had responsible charge, but what is meant by “responsible charge”?

Consider the following test found in Rule 61G15-18.011, F.A.C.: An engineer who signs and seals engineering documents in responsible charge must be capable of answering questions relevant to the engineering decisions made during the engineer’s work on the project, in sufficient detail as to leave little doubt as to the engineer’s proficiency for the work performed. It is not necessary to defend decisions as in an adversarial situation, but only to demonstrate that the engineer in responsible charge made them and possessed sufficient knowledge of the project to make them. Examples of questions the engineer must be able to answer include the criteria for design, methods of analysis, selection of materials and systems, economics of alternate solutions, and environmental considerations.

Isn't there some training required that involves the new Florida Building Code?

Yes. Chapter 471.0195, F.S., Florida Building Code Training for Engineers, requires Professional Engineers covered by the law to take and report advanced or specialized courses on any portion of the Florida Building Code applicable to the licensee’s area of practice.

“(3) Beginning with the Fifth Edition of the Florida Building Code, all licensees actively participating in the design of engineering works or systems in connection with buildings, structures, or facilities and systems covered by the Florida Building Code, as identified within Section 553.73(1)(a), F.S., shall:

(a) Complete at least one advanced Florida Building Code course within 12 months of each edition of the Florida Building Code effective date,

(b) Provide the Board with a copy of a certificate of completion which shows: course number, course hours, Code edition year, and Code or course focus. This course may also count towards the area of practice requirement for continuing education set forth in Rule 61G15-22.001, F.A.C.

(4) The Board shall approve all Advanced Florida Building Code courses. Courses submitted for approval shall have been designated an “Advanced” course by the Florida Building Commission and shall be within the discipline of civil structure, mechanical, electrical or general engineering.”

How much is the renewal fee?

The cost of renewing your current license for the 2019-2021 biennium is $98.75, which includes the renewal cost of $93.75 plus $5 for an unlicensed activity fee. The $5 fee is for unlicensed activity, which FBPE must charge pursuant to Chapter 497.140, F.S., Fees. This fee is collected by the State of Florida to combat the unlicensed practice of engineering. However, from Nov. 5, 2018, through Jan. 15, 2019, the fee will be reduced by $10, to $88.75, for current and active licensees. (Delinquent licenses are not eligible for the discount.) This reduction is being made to encourage Professional Engineers to renew earlier rather than later.

I'm trying to create my account and I am being asked for an activation code. What is that?

The activation code for your account at myfloridalicense.com should be the last four digits of your Social Security number. For those trying to renew a Certificate of Authorization, the activation code should be the last four digits of your Federal Employer Identification Number. If you cannot access your account by using this information, contact the Board office at (850) 521-0500 and select “Renewal” for assistance.

I'm trying to renew my license, and the system is saying my account is associated with another email address. How can I verify what email address is associated with my account and correct if necessary?

Contact the Board office at (850) 521-0500 and select “Renewal” to verify the email address on file with your account at myfloridalicense.com. If the email associated with your account is no longer valid, we can “unlink” your account so that a new email address can be linked to your record, but be advised you will not be able to use the existing email address again with your account.

I forgot my password to access my account. How can I retrieve that information?

If you attempt to sign in to your account to renew your license at myfloridalicense.com and have forgotten your password, select “Forgot My Password.” You will be prompted to “Create a New Password” by answering your security question, and you should then be able to access your account. If you do not know the answer to your security question, please contact the Board office at (850) 521-0500 and select “Renewal” for assistance, or email renewal@fbpe.org.

I forgot the answer to the security question associated with my account. How can I get that information?

Contact the Board office at (850) 521-0500 and select “Renewal” for assistance, or email renewal@fbpe.org. Once we have retrieved the information for you, an email will be sent to you with the answer to your security question. However, it may take up to 24 hours to complete your request. If you are sending an email request to retrieve your answer, you must include your name, license number, and the associated email address.

I logged out of my account after renewing my license and forgot to print a receipt. How can I get a printed receipt?

You should receive an automatic email from the myfloridalicense.com licensing system confirming that your renewal application has been received. This email will contain an Online Payment Summary in the form of a PDF attachment. This may serve as a receipt.

I renewed my PE license/Certificate of Authorization. When will I receive my new license? How long does the process take, and can I print a copy of my license online?

All Florida PE licenses and Certificates of Authorization are only available for printing online. PE licenses and CAs will no longer be mailed. Go to myfloridalicense.com and log into your account. The licenses linked to your account will appear on the right side of the Main Menu page. Select the license or CA that you would like to print, then under Functions on the License Menu page, select “Print License Certificate” and follow the prompts. A PDF of the license will be sent within 30 minutes to the email address associated with your account (the one you used to log into your account). Use the PDF to print your license. For step-by-step instructions, see How Do I Print My License? under the Licensure section of our website.

I renewed my Certificate of Authorization and paid the fee, but when I look online my CA expiration date has not changed to reflect the renewal? What does that mean?

The qualifying engineer for a firm/company providing engineering services in Florida must renew his or her license first before attempting to renew the CA license. If you have paid the renewal fee for your CA license, but the expiration date has not updated, contact the Board office at (850) 521-0500 and select “Renewal” for assistance.

My license status is “Delinquent/Active.” What does that mean?

Your account has a status of “delinquent/active” because you did not renew during the last renewal period. To renew your license for the 2019-2021 biennium, you must complete the 18 hours of Continuing Education from the previous renewal cycle, plus the 18 hours of CE for the current renewal cycle. Each 18 hours includes one hour of Florida laws and rules, one hour of professional ethics, four hours related to your area of practice, and 12 hours related to any topic pertinent to the practice of engineering.

Also, if you did not pay to renew your license during the past renewal cycle, then the total amount due is $222.50, which includes the $98.75 fee for the previous cycle, a delinquent fee of $25, and the $98.75 fee for the current renewal cycle.

Or, if you paid your renewal fee during the previous cycle, but have a delinquent/active license, then the total amount due is $123.75, which includes the $98.75 renewal fee for the current cycle, and a delinquent fee of $25.

If you do not renew before Feb. 28, 2019, your license becomes “null and void.”

My license status is “Null and Void.” What does that mean?

A license status of “null and void” means that you have missed two renewal cycles, therefore your license number is no longer valid. If you wish to re-register with Florida, you may apply through the endorsement process. Information related to licensure through endorsement is available on the Endorsement (Comity & Reciprocity) page under the Licensure section of this website.

My license is currently “Inactive,” and I want to renew and become “Active.” Can I renew my license online when renewal begins?

You may renew your license online even though your license is currently in an “inactive” status. Complete the renewal process by going to myfloridalicense.com, and select “Renew Your License” or “Licensee Login.” After you have renewed, contact Nancy Wilkins at the Board office via email at nwilkins@fbpe.org and include a copy of your receipt to request your status change. Note: You may be required to demonstrate that you have completed the 18 hours of Continuing Education requirement if your license has been “inactive” for more than a year.

My license is currently “Active,” and I want to become “Inactive” and not renew. What do I need to do?

You must renew your license before making status changes. To change your license from “active” to “inactive” you will need to complete the renewal process. After you have renewed, contact Nancy Wilkins at the Board office via email at nwilkins@fbpe.org and include a copy of your receipt to request your status change. Once you are granted “inactive” status, you will still be required to pay the renewal fee for each biennium that your license is inactive, pursuant to Rule 61G15-22.0002, F.A.C. You will not be required to take any Continuing Education hours.

Should you decide to activate your license, you will be required to submit the Application for Change of Status Form – Inactive to Active with all required documents, pay any additional licensure fees necessary to equal those imposed on an active status licensee, pay any applicable reactivation fees as set by the board, and meet all Continuing Education requirements as defined in Rule 61G15-22.001, F.A.C.

I no longer actively practice engineering in Florida and would like to retire my license. What do I need to do?

To “retire” your license, you must complete the Application for Retired Status and submit it to FBPE for Board approval. Retiring your license means that you are willing to relinquish your license, not renew, and that you will refrain from practicing engineering and using your seal. Once you have been approved and your license is officially in a “retired” status, your licensure record will be updated to reflect “PE, Retired.” Retired licensees can refer to themselves as “Professional Engineer, Retired ” or “PE, Retired,” but cannot engage in any engineering practice.

Should you decide to return to active practice, you will need to complete and submit a new application for licensure under the Florida licensing requirements in effect at the time you apply. Note: Your previously held PE number cannot be reinstated once retired. If your new application for licensure is approved, a new PE license number will be issued.

If you are unsure about “retiring” your license, you may consider requesting to have your license made “inactive.” If you have questions related to either of these processes, please contact the Board office at (850) 521-0500 ext. 113.

I am a licensed engineer in Florida and several other states. Can I use CE credit obtained for my other licenses towards the CE requirement for my Florida license? If so, how do I document proof of completion of the Continuing Education?

With the exception of the one hour Florida Laws & Rules CE requirement, you may apply Continuing Education credit earned for another state’s engineering license to your 18 hours, assuming it meets the criteria set forth in 471.017, F.S., Renewal of License, and Rule 61G15-22.001, F.A.C., Continuing Education Requirements. In addition, pursuant to Rule 61G15-22.011, F.A.C., only Board-approved providers may offer Continuing Education courses and credit.

A list of Board-approved CE providers and courses can be found on myfloridalicense.com. If you are unsure if a provider or course is approved or acceptable, call the Board office at (850) 521-0500, and ask to speak to a representative in the Continuing Education department.

Refer to Rule 61G15-22.003, F.A.C., Demonstrating Compliance, which provides that all licensees are responsible for maintaining the appropriate documentation necessary to evidence completion of CE each biennium.

Can I fax or email my certificates for my Continuing Education to the Board?

No. You are no longer required to report Continuing Education to the Board. Pursuant to Rule 61G15-22.006, F.A.C., Demonstrating Compliance, the licensee is responsible for retaining receipts, certificates, or other documentation as may be necessary to evidence completion of Continuing Education in the event you are subject to a random audit. You must retain these records for four years from the date of completion of the Continuing Education activity. For more information, visit the Record Keeping and Retention page.